JESUS STATES THEIR PROBLEM–
Their lives were clogged with so many other things, so Jesus was no longer first in their hearts, schedules, or concentration, and all that signaled that He was no longer the supreme ruler of their lives. They were not being obedient to the clear commands Christ had already given them, thus they were not pleasing Him.
Jesus said, "Stop everything else from pushing me out. Go back to your original settings and Love the Lord Your God with all you are." First love means loving Christ so much that you are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to have Christ foremost in your life.
FOUR DIAGNOSTICS TO REVEAL IF GOD IS FOREMOST
This morning we each need to do a self-checkup of our spiritual health and fruitfulness. Remember, the healthier we are the more fruit God can produce through our lives. Here are some diagnostic questions:
WORSHIP DIAGNOSTIC:
Do you plan your schedule around the gathering of the Body of Christ? Or do you fit it in when possible? The answer to that question reveals whether you are seeking first what God wants, or what you want.
Do you feel excited to be here at church and close to the Lord, with a heart tuned and already filled with Spirit-prompted worship, or are you distant these days from all that, and you even feel kind of far away from God this morning?
FELLOWSHIP DIAGNOSTIC:
Do you love to meet with other believers and share what God is doing in each other’s lives, or can you hardly remember the last time your life was fruitful? Do you feel far from joy and peace, victory and blessing? In fact, do you secretly hope that no one gets too close this morning and asks you personal questions while you are here?
DEVOTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC:
Can you hardly wait to get started in our study of God’s Word this morning, and feel the same way each day of the week in your personal devotions, or does your Bible feel as heavy as lead when you pick it up?
MINISTRY DIAGNOSTIC:
Are you a conscious investor in ministry, looking for more ways to use your time and spiritual gifts to serve the Lord, or do challenges for you to jump in to serve and speak up for Christ bother you a bit, and even push you away? Do you sometimes wonder if you’ll get any reward in Heaven, and just hope that you’ll get there? Has the zeal you once knew dried up, and become a far off memory?
(FTF-20; 150215AM)
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